Sacred Heart women’s ice hockey alumna Amie Varano reached the sport’s biggest stage this winter, representing Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
“They called us into the room and said, ‘Congratulations, you’re on the team,’” said Varano. “I remember calling my parents and telling them, ‘Mom, Dad, I’m going to Milan.’”
Source: Instagram, @avarano12
For Varano, the moment marked the culmination of years of dedication and international competition. After graduating from Sacred Heart in 2017, the former team captain began her professional career in Europe, playing in multiple countries while continuing to develop her game at the highest level.
Along the way, she also joined the Italian national team, competing around the world leading up to the Olympics.
When Varano finally stepped onto Olympic ice, the moment felt surreal.
“It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of, more than 10,000 people in the stands.”
Varano’s Olympic journey is a point of pride not only for her family but also for the Sacred Heart women’s hockey program and its current players. Sacred Heart head coach Thomas O’Malley, who has led the program for more than two decades, said hearing the news was one of the most rewarding moments of his coaching career.
“My phone rings, and the first thing I said to Amie was, ‘Amie, are you calling me with the news I want to hear?’ And she says, ‘Yes, coach.’ And I said, ‘You just made my day,’” said O’Malley.
O’Malley said Varano’s success reflects both her character and work ethic during her time as a Pioneer.
“The first quality Amie Varano possesses is she’s a good person, always had a smile on her face, always worked hard,” said O’Malley.
Varano’s Olympic appearance also shines a national spotlight on the Sacred Heart program.
“Sacred Heart’s a smaller school, not many people look at it as a threat.But seeing her on the Olympic team makes it seem like, ‘Watch out for Sacred Heart,’” said women’s ice hockey sophomore Brianna Morden.
Morden and her teammates have embraced Varano’s success. The women gathered to watch Varano’s Olympic games together, celebrating the accomplishment of a former Pioneer.
“Seeing her in the Olympics just makes it seem like we can all go out there and do it,” said Morden. “It makes us want to go out there and work harder.”
Varano said knowing the current team was watching her compete meant a great deal.
“It warmed my heart. I’ve never even met most of these girls, and they were willing to sit down and watch my game. I was so honored,” said Varano.
Even after reaching the Olympic stage, Varano still credits Sacred Heart for shaping her journey.
“Coach O’Malley always believed in me,” said Varano. “I’m so grateful for my time at SHU. It really shaped me into the person I am today. If I had to do it all over again, I would pick SHU every single time.”
Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.
